Osprey Transporter 65L Evaluation | CleverHiker

Backside Line

Maybe not surprisingly, The Osprey Transporter, one of many extra capacious duffels we examined this 12 months, tops the listing for essentially the most comfy duffel to hold as a backpack. It’s, in any case, designed by a model that makes a speciality of making backpacking packs. Because of this, whereas there could also be fewer carry choices total, these hauling gear totally on their backs will discover the padded straps (with sternum strap) extremely cozy for longer intervals of time. 

However even for those who don’t plan to have it in your again for prolonged intervals, when testing it over a weekend of bikepacking in Utah, we liked how simple it was to pack and unpack every evening and morning and slide out and in of rooftop cargo packing containers within the help car.

Power overpackers are sure to like this bag, too, thanks to 2 inside compression straps that assist maintain smooth items cinched down so you’ll be able to shut the burly zips on the lid with ease. Bonus: two medium-sized accent pockets assist maintain small objects simple to search out.

Carry Consolation

In case you are in the hunt for a duffel that you simply initially plan to hold as a backpack versus over the shoulder, the Osprey Transporter is for you. Maybe not surprisingly, provided that this bag is from a model recognized for its backpacks, this one is without doubt one of the most comfy duffels we examined for backpack carry.

The straps are padded and adjustable and embody a sternum strap to assist handle heavy masses and are stowable in a devoted lid pocket when not in use. They’re the principle option to carry this bag, however you may additionally handle an over-the-shoulder carry in a pinch. There’s no seize deal with on prime, although. There are sturdy and cozy cargo handles on every of the 4 sides, nevertheless, which makes pulling it out and in of a rooftop cargo service simple.

Compressibility & Packability

When it got here time to load up the bag with every thing we would have liked for a multi-day bikepacking journey in Utah, it held all of our necessities, thanks partly to 2 inside compression straps that helped cinch down smooth items like clothes and sleeping luggage. It was simple to pack and unpack due to a spacious wide-mouth opening that hinges at one of many quick ends. And even when the pack straps have been hooked up, they didn’t get in the best way when digging round inside.

When empty, the duffel packed pretty simply into its personal separate sack for simple storage. The presence of loads of exterior lash factors means the bag is simple to safe or connect to anchors or different duffels.

Sturdiness

Even after dragging this bag across the desert full of substances, there was hardly a scratch or scuff on it. The outer materials, manufactured from bluesign accepted recycled supplies with a TPU coating, is extremely sturdy and sturdy and even resisted grime and dust, so by the point we introduced it dwelling after a protracted weekend, it nonetheless regarded practically as vibrant and contemporary as if it have been new.

What’s extra, the seize handles are lots heavy obligation, and the burly zippers have been easy and straightforward to make use of. We had no drawback zipping the bag shut even when it was packed to the brim.

Climate Resistance

Whereas the bag wasn’t essentially the most waterproof, its efficiency on this space was nonetheless spectacular sufficient to rank this duffel extremely. One exterior pocket stored issues fully dry, and the principle compartment solely dampened a bit alongside the edges after the bag was overlooked within the rain for an hour. Expansive rain flaps stored out a lot of the moisture, so a lot of the inside of the bag stayed dry. Packing delicate gear in water-proof packing cubes is probably not a foul thought.

Group

Whereas this bag is probably not an organizational powerhouse, compression straps inside the principle compartment are a welcome addition for persistent overpackers. They have been a god-send on one journey the place we needed to cram in cumbersome winter sleeping luggage and puffy jackets alongside loads of different gear.

There aren’t any massive separate compartments for sneakers or soiled clothes and just one small accent pocket on the skin and one inside. They have been useful for stashing headlamps and loo kits, but it surely took slightly longer to search out smaller objects inside the bag because of this.

Ought to You Purchase the Osprey Transporter Duffel?

The Osprey Transporter could also be on the pricier finish of the duffels we examined, however for these searching for a duffel bag with loads of space for storing that’s additionally comfy to hold as a backpack for lengthy intervals of time–say when touring throughout Europe or hopping on and off trains or planes from one expedition to the following–this one shines vibrant among the many relaxation.

On the flip facet, for those who want a duffel bag with extra carry choices, organizational pockets, or separate compartments for soiled gear, you could discover your new favourite duffel elsewhere.

What Different DuffelS Ought to You Take into account?

If you happen to’re unsure the Osprey Transporter is best for you in any of the out there sizes, you could wish to take into account one of many different stand-out duffels we’ve examined.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Evaluation: Made from extremely sturdy supplies and extra massive pockets for cumbersome gear like boots or helmets, this bag continues to be simple to pack, lots spacious, and cozy to hold.

Cotopaxi Allpa Duo Evaluation: One massive important compartment and detachable shoulder straps make it just like the Osprey Transporter, however with the addition of a backside zippered compartment for soiled clothes.

Patagonia Black Gap Evaluation: For a extra conventional duffel, take into account the basic Patagonia Black Gap. The big single opening, restricted pockets, and a number of other carry choices make it a strong selection for a lot of vacationers.